On September 16, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government is working on a super app aimed at consolidating various railway services. Speaking at the News18 India Chaupal event in New Delhi, Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined the ambitious project, which is expected to simplify user interactions with the railway system.
Advancements in Railway Infrastructure
Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significant strides made in railway infrastructure under the NDA government over the past decade. Notably, last year alone saw the laying of over 5,300 km of railway tracks, a length comparable to Switzerland’s entire rail network. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the railway infrastructure.
Focus on Safety and New Initiatives
Addressing safety concerns, Ashwini Vaishnaw noted a dramatic decrease in rail accidents from 171 per year a decade ago to around 40 annually. Despite this progress, ongoing efforts are being made to further improve safety. The introduction of the Kavach system, an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology, will be implemented in 10,000 railway coaches to prevent collisions and derailments.
Additionally, Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Amrit Bharat trains, which aim to offer affordable travel options for ordinary passengers. These trains will cover distances up to 1,000 kilometres at a cost of approximately Rs 400-Rs 450.
International Interest in Vande Bharat Trains
The minister also reported increasing international interest in India’s Vande Bharat trains. With inquiries from countries like Chile, Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated that India will be prepared to export these trains from the fourth and fifth versions onward.
Overall, the proposed super app and ongoing improvements reflect the Indian government’s efforts to modernise and enhance the railway experience for passengers
